Accessibility
The written instructions for each item, intended to guide the respondent in his or her approach, are accompanied by visual instructions. As a result, a respondent who is not sufficiently proficient to read the written instructions should be able to understand the task and answer the question. Visual instructions are provided for all items, including those in the advanced levels. This strategy creates a predictable virtual environment suitable for various learning styles.
Images have also been included with the text or audio recording in the majority of items in proficiency levels 1 to 3. In some cases, the answer choices consist of numbers, images or even colours.
Visual instructions that accompany the written instructions
- You will have 15 seconds to read the instructions, the question and the answer choices.
- After the tone, you will hear a dialogue.
- Answer the question.
Accommodation for students with special needs
Since the objective of the TPLS is to determine reading and listening proficiency, no writing support measure (screen reader) or oral support measure (audio transcription) has been provided for in the test. The allotted answer time for each item is regulated by the administrator.
The test is an objective measure of second language proficiency throughout the college network. We therefore request that educational institutions do not adapt it, as we wish to avoid distortion of the data collected.
The CCDMD production team would be pleased to discuss the development of an untimed replacement test, hosted on a separate virtual environment, to meet the needs of colleges wishing to accommodate groups of students with special needs.
The CCDMD can be reached at 514 873-2200 or info@ccdmd.qc.ca.